“And these are not — like it or not, these aren’t our kids. Show them compassion, but it’s not like he is doing this to the people of Idaho or Texas. These are people from another country and now people are saying that they’re more important than people in our country who are paying taxes and who have needs as well.” — Brian Kilmeade, Fox & Friends

Dear Mr. Kilmeade —

Taking care of children is not a zero-sum game. A child is just as important to a Central American parent as a child is to an American parent. Children of a different national origin or of a different skin color have the same wants and needs as a child in Idaho or Texas. They are not more important. They are of the same importance.

We should not be in the practice of prioritizing the lives of children who pay American taxes. They are kids. They do not have a choice in what tax system their parents belong. If anything, we should be more mindful of children being brought across the border. They do not have the same advantages as a child born in Texas or Idaho.

In fact, the child of a taxpaying citizen of Texas or Idaho is most likely in far less need of our compassion and resources than a child who manages to trek across our border from a place like El Salvador. They have traveled hundreds, if not thousands of miles to get here because their parents believe that America is a better place. We should not disabuse them of that notion by putting them in cages. We should show them the best of who we are, not the worst.

Be Best.

Sincerely Yours,

— The Pajiba Staff

Dustin is the founder and co-owner of Pajiba. You may email him here or follow him on Twitter.